Upset over loss of rates relief

Todd Quate and Brenna Cook exercise racehorses at Waikouaiti Beach. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery.
Todd Quate and Brenna Cook exercise racehorses at Waikouaiti Beach. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery.
Two Dunedin racing clubs will be left more than  $21,000 out of pocket over what they feel are blatant double standards by the Dunedin City Council.

Before the end of their current financial years this month, both the Forbury Park Trotting Club and the Otago Racing Club had previously enjoyed rates relief under the council’s policy, which allows it to be granted to community good, not-for-profit groups.

However, a recent  change effectively excluded the clubs from rates relief after the policy was amended to exclude horse and greyhound racing clubs and other organisations which are licensed as gaming machine venues.

The change puts both venues at risk of  not offering  their facilities to dozens of community groups  free of charge or at discounted rates. Both clubs have  accused the council of a double standard as they believe there is significantly more social harm and money wagered on sporting events at the council-backed Forsyth Barr stadium than on their racedays.

Forbury Park Trotting Club general manager Rodney Moore said he raised this issue  with the council when he was first approached about the possible change in policy. 

Otago Racing Club chief executive Hannah Catchpole believes  betting turnover on events at the stadium would be exponentially higher than what is gambled at Dunedin’s two racecourses, she said.

"I think if you combine Forbury and Wingatui, it wouldn’t even get close.

"I know what we turn over on-course. And a sold-out stadium — we would pale in comparison."

The most recent turnover figures published by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing for a Wingatui race meeting showed $15,470 was wagered at the course on April 26.

The TAB declined to release betting turnover figures for recent Highlanders matches at Forysth Barr stadium, saying it was not appropriate to do so. The clubs have also accused the council of back-flipping on an offer to present their cases for rates relief. During the policy change process, both clubs won an appeal in September which gave them a one-year extension on their rates relief.

After winning their appeal, the clubs were told  the council would compile a report on their cases for rates relief and  both clubs were offered the chance to state their case to council at a meeting in March.

But the DCC back-flipped on its  decision, Miss Catchpole said. Later, the Otago Racing Club received a letter saying the matter had been decided.

DCC  strategy and governance general manager Sandy Graham said the council would not  comment on betting on stadium events  but insists the benefits the racing clubs and their venues provided the community do not outweigh the harm caused there by gambling.

"The council made the decision not to grant rates relief to the clubs after weighing up the benefits to the community against the harm from gambling."

The DCC also admits the clubs were shut out of an opportunity to plead their case for rates relief, but felt they had enough opportunities to do it previously.

"We acknowledge the clubs were not advised the matter was to be discussed at the April council meeting, but the clubs have had two previous opportunities to raise their concerns in person and their written submissions were considered by the council," Ms Graham said.

In the 2015-16 financial year, the Forbury Park Trotting Club received $13,014 in rates relief and the Otago Racing Club $8285 worth of rates relief. 

- Jonny Turner

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